Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest

Forest Recreation

The 6,496 acres of the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest is located in the
piedmont of Virginia. The forest is located 15 miles southeast of Farmville,
5 miles southeast of Burkeville along state route 696 and 613.

The trail is closed except
on Sundays from early November through mid-January
due to heavy use by hunters. Hikers may also use
the network of forest roads and trails that traverse
the forest.

Twin Lakes State Park, operated by the
Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located
within the forest and provides a good starting point
for visiting the State Forest. Twin Lakes State Park, operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located within the Forest. The park offers camping (water & electrical hook-ups), cabins, picnicking,
boating, and hiking.

Forest History

The Virginia State Forest system had its beginning
in 1919 when Emmett D. Gallion bequeathed 588
acres to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Gallion
donated his property to advance the course of forestry
in the southern piedmont of Virginia. This donation
is the core of the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest,
which was established to demonstrate good forest
management, provide a land base for applied forest
research, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and
to provide for outdoor recreation.

In the mid-1930s, much of the land in Virginia’s
Piedmont had become unproductive and was highly
eroded. At that time, the federal government began
purchasing marginal farmland under the Bankhead-
Jones Farm Tenant Act, enacted to help conserve
and restore the health of the land. Much of this
purchased land was soon leased to the state and in
1939 became Prince Edward Gallion State Forest. In
1954, the federal government deeded the land to
the Commonwealth of Virginia, adding to the original
land bequeathed by Mr. Gallion. Under the Virginia
Department of Forestry’s management, the forest
grew to its present 6,461 acres. Remnants of the
area’s farming past can be seen in the old cemeteries
and homesteads scattered throughout the forest.

Forest Management

When the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest was
originally acquired, the land was in a depleted
condition, having been used almost exclusively for
agriculture. The Forest has continually improved due
to the application of scientific forest management
practices and good conservation practices. The site
quality of previously denuded soils has improved
considerably, the quality of water originating from the
forest is excellent, and biodiversity has significantly
improved.

The State Forest will continue to be managed to
develop diverse timber stands that support biodiversity,
as a demonstration of scientific forest management,
to protect water quality, provide forest diversity for
wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

State Forest Use Permit

A State Forest Use Permit may be required for visitors to the state forests.

Parking/Hours of Operation

Open daily from dawn to dusk.

No restroom facilities

No trash cans - all visitors are asked to adopt a “Leave No Trace” ethic.

Seasonal Trail Closure

The trail will be closed except on Sundays from the first Saturday in November
to the 15th of January due to heavy use of the forest by hunters.

Conference Facilities

The Cedar Crest Conference Center at Twin Lakes State Park is available for wedding
receptions, family reunions and meetings on a reservation basis, call 434.767.2398.

Recreation Opportunities

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Motorized vehicles of any type are prohibited on all of the state forests.

Camping

Camping is only allowed in the Twin Lakes State Park.

Twin Lakes State Park, operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located within the Forest.
The park offers camping (water & electrical hook-ups), cabins, picnicking,
boating, and hiking. Swimming and concessions are available during the summer
only. To make a reservation for overnight accommodations, please call 1.800.933.7275.
Campsites are installed inside the park.

Canoeing

Canoeing is permitted on the lakes.

Fishing

A Virginia fishing license is required to use Twin Lakes within the Forest.

Hiking

There is one primary trail at Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest that is open
for walking, hiking, horses, and mountain bikes. All motorized vehicles are
prohibited on state forest lands.Trails are marked by blue blazes painted
on trees approximately every 150-200 yards. The forest also has various gated
trails and forest roads that can be used.

Prince Edward-Gallion Multi-Use Trail - This
is an eight-mile non-loop trail leading through the state forest.The trail can be accessed from a parking area near Stony
Knoll House on Route 689.

While traveling through the forest, you will observe several different and
unique environments. Oak-hickory forests, stands of Loblolly Pine, and cut
over areas attract many different forms of wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild
turkey and bobcats are common residents of this productive and well-managed
natural resource.

Foot travel, non-motorized bikes, and horses are permitted.

Trail Rules

Be courteous to other trail users. Hikers should yield the right of way
to equestrians. Bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians.

Please help us keep the trail clean. Please put litter in it's proper place,
or carry it out with you.

Stay on the marked trail at all times.

Be extremely cautious at road crossings. Stop, took and listen, and then
proceed only if you are sure it is safe to do so.

Flippen, Gallion, and Cheatham roads are open for vehicular traffic. Please
be aware of this and stay to the right side of the roads.

Horseback Riding

Horses are permitted on the Prince Edward-Gallion Multi-Use Trail.

Coggins Test Certificates must be available for each horse on State lands.

We recommend that equestrians dismount and lead their horse over bridges and
across streams.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted on the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest. All persons,
except those legally exempt under Virginia law, must carry a valid Virginia
hunting license AND a State Forest Use Permit to hunt or trap on the forest.

State Forest hunting regulations and seasons follow
those of the county in which the State Forest is located. Check the
Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Hunting & Trapping
Regulations and Information brochure or their website for special restrictions on State Forest lands, such as Either-Sex
Deer Hunting Days.

Hunting is prohibited in the following safety
zones (surrounding areas of):

VDOF Office

houses

state roads

Twin Lakes State Park

Wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Swimming

Swimming and concessions are available during the summer
only at Twin Lakes State Park.